Thru Hiker companion needed for 2013

[redheadedhiker674]

Hey everyone!

Sooo, my parents aren't very comfortable with the idea of me thru hiking by myself. Big whoop. Anyways, I need a partner for next year. I'll be leaving late Feb/early Match and am hoping to be done at the latest early August. I'm taking spring semester off from school, but I need to be back for the fall semester. I don't mind whether the hiker is a guy or a girl. Honestly, I'd probably like hiking with a guy better (as would my parents). I'm hoping to get a partner early, so that we could do some weekend hikes, etc. (maybe even section hike the AT some this summer) for preparation and to see how well we get along and such. Let me know if you're interested! PM me or just reply here. Happy hiking, everyone.

[Sly]

Here's the perfect Companion that should settle any of your parents fears...

2012CompWeb-2.jpg

[redheadedhiker674]

Haha, thanks but no thanks. It won't do any good.

[Sly]

Just get the maps to go with it, you'll be fine.

Seriously, the time you plan on leaving there are lots of others starting. If you can't find a partner beforehand, you'll likely have someone to hike with by the end of the first day.

[Chaco Taco]

You will be surprised at how quickly your parents will come around, just give them some time. As for people, as stated, depending on when you leave, you will be around plenty of people. Big Trail community GA-ME

[Papa D]

I thru hiked at age 18. I had a young friend who also thru hiked at age 18 --- 20 something years after me. I think you can do it but I also "get" your parent's issues. The problem with "partners" is that you have to deal with each other's hiking pace (and other issues) which is why partnerships often fall apart. If you want to private message me and we can coordinate schedules, I'll offer you a shuttle to the trail and I'll hike with you for a day or three -- there will be tons of people starting in March and although February can be colder, I really like the idea of you getting the biggest "jump" you can - maybe even February week 2/3? Anyway, there will be plenty of people and you'll fall naturally into one of many "groups" that will form -- a hiking partner might come out of this but at least you will be able to observe his or her habits and trail pace and determine whether you will actually like going on a long distance hike with whomever it it.

[Lone Wolf]

Hey everyone!

Sooo, my parents aren't very comfortable with the idea of me thru hiking by myself. Big whoop. Anyways, I need a partner for next year. I'll be leaving late Feb/early Match and am hoping to be done at the latest early August. I'm taking spring semester off from school, but I need to be back for the fall semester. I don't mind whether the hiker is a guy or a girl. Honestly, I'd probably like hiking with a guy better (as would my parents). I'm hoping to get a partner early, so that we could do some weekend hikes, etc. (maybe even section hike the AT some this summer) for preparation and to see how well we get along and such. Let me know if you're interested! PM me or just reply here. Happy hiking, everyone.

you're 18. you're an adult. it's your call. you can join the military without their consent. you can walk a trail without their consent

[redheadedhiker674]

No, I can't. My parents pay for my education and housing, so I can't just be running off doing thing without their consent.

[Camping Dave]

No, I can't. My parents pay for my education and housing, so I can't just be running off doing thing without their consent.

Yes you can.

[ALLEGHENY]

"Cut the cord,get a job,and hike your own hike."
Quote: My Dad

[Papa D]

Well of course she CAN, but she also CAN do lots of other stupid things - she' s level-headed and wants to do what she wants to do which is good. Her best and happiest thru-hike will be one that she can convince her parents is safe and reasonable -- I had the same issues. She'll be best off with parental support but she can USE her rights and status as an adult as a trump card in their discussions as needed.

[oldbear]

Well of course she CAN, but she also CAN do lots of other stupid things - she' s level-headed and wants to do what she wants to do which is good. Her best and happiest thru-hike will be one that she can convince her parents is safe and reasonable -- I had the same issues. She'll be best off with parental support but she can USE her rights and status as an adult as a trump card in their discussions as needed.

I totally agree with you.
I think that one of the best things that she could do to alleviate some of her parent's quite understandable angst is to have them join this site and interact w/ the kind of ppl that she'll be meeting on trail

[BlizzardChord]

No, I can't. My parents pay for my education and housing, so I can't just be running off doing thing without their consent.

I kind of understand your pain redhead. I'm in college myself and am considered still "too young" by my parents to do anything. They won't even let me ever leave the country for study or a trip. What can you do though? They help pay the bills, and even if you are still in school, the gov' still sees you as their problem till your 21.

Anyways, scope around, try to talk with people. I see the benefits in hiking with a partner for the sole reason that you don't have to carry everything yourself. Having a partner means you can split up the equipment between the two packs and you carry lighter. That said, if you guys get separated, that might mess you both over.

[Live_for_hiking]

No, I can't. My parents pay for my education and housing, so I can't just be running off doing thing without their consent.

My parents assisted me with the cost of my first degree. When I was 18, I REALLY wanted to buy a motorcycle. They politely told me that if I could afford a motorcycle, then I could do more to pay for my college. Let's just say I didn't get the motorcycle!

I think it is a good thing you are involving your parents in this decision. One way to help them over the 'hiking alone' hurdle is to plan and execute some weekend trips. Inform them of where you will be hiking, take lots of photo's, and share your excitement with them. Give them an opportunity to manage their fears in small doses. In time, I think you will win them over.

Technology also allows them to feel OK about your adventures. Discuss buying one of those GPS location thingies. Y'know, the one where you have a button that sends a text or email saying "I am OK." They also have a button that says, "I need assistance." Phones also provide a means to catch up with family on the trail. When I first started hiking solo, my parents were terrified (I was in my early 20's when I started solo hiking). I'd call and leave voice messages about the amazing views and tell them I wished they could share that experience with me.

I think that even to this day, they get nervous that I tend to hike solo in the wild. They keep that to themselves though and now encourage my travels. As you can see, I'm not a young hiker anymore. Parents will be parents .....

edit: I feel compelled to add that I'm also a red-headed hiker!

[RWheeler]

I'm currently on a NOBO thru for this year, but it's based on medical clearance - essentially it's looking likely, but I have a procedure coming up that will make or break it. If I can't make it work for this year, I'll be looking at doing the hike next year.

As it's been pointed out, it's hard to plan a "partner" based on hiking pace and other factors. If I have to postpone until 2013, I'll let you know and see if we can meet up somewhere and hike for a couple of days to test how our paces match up. I tend to have a long stride, though, so I dunno how well it'll work.

[redheadedhiker674]

I tend to have a long stride, though, so I dunno how well it'll work.

I doubt that will be a problem. Im 6ft and my legs are incredibly long. I keep stride with my dad who's 6'4. But, yes, let me know if that happens! (although I hope for you that it doesn't)

[Tinker]

Since you're a female, I'd suggest that you post a request for a hiking companion in the Women's forum.

And your forum name - It's nice that you have red hair. It may be a little too nice for those of the opposite sex (let's face it: red hair makes you, well, exotic - or at least a rare attraction in the world).

I can understand your parents' concern.

Find a good, solid female partner to start off with, even if you don't stay together. It will put your folks at ease, and I'm sure you love them enough to give them a little peace of mind.

Take care, be careful, and have a great hike.

[redheadedhiker674]

Allegheny, just for the record, I do have a job. Tinker, I've seen a lot of partner threads in the female forum that don't get replies, so I didn't want to post it in there. Also, I'm not looking for specifically a female partner, I'm just looking for a partner I can hike well with. And I don't necessarily want a partner for the whole way, just really for the beginning. But again, back to my parents, I'd like their support so instead of just taking off on the trail, I'd like to convince them first.

[dillard]

I am also planning a thru-hike for 2013 with a start around the time your planning and wouldn't mind a partner to start with. I did the VA section in 2011 with someone I met here on WB, so I have a bit of experience if you have any specific questions.

[redheadedhiker674]

I am also planning a thru-hike for 2013 with a start around the time your planning and wouldn't mind a partner to start with. I did the VA section in 2011 with someone I met here on WB, so I have a bit of experience if you have any specific questions.

Do you know around what day you'll be leaving? I'm hoping to leave Feb. 15. Would you mind a female hiking partner?